Forbidden Longings | Seulrene AU

Chapter XXXIV (✓)

The rest of the week passed in a peaceful haze for Seulgi, Seungwan, Joohyun, Sooyoung, and Yeri. After the chaotic events that had rocked their lives, the newfound serenity in the town was a welcome change. Yongsun and Moonbyul's absence from their group left a noticeable void, but they focused on their studies, determined to keep things as normal as possible.

It was as though the town itself had exhaled a long-held breath. With Bogum and his father finally dealt with, there was a palpable sense of relief in the air. Joohyun's father, true to his word, appointed a new sheriff in town— one with a reputation for integrity and a dedication to justice.

The implementation of rigorous background checks for current and new officers soon followed, leading to a significant improvement in crime management. The remaining corrupt officials were weeded out, and the lingering werewolves in town either fell in line or left altogether.

With the looming threat of Bogum gone, Seulgi and Joohyun found themselves with more free time than they'd had in months. They took full advantage of the tranquility, going on dates they had only dreamed of when danger was ever-present. Strolling through the peaceful streets of their town, they shared ice cream, explored local shops, and even had picnics by the lake where they could finally relax without constantly looking over their shoulders.

The serenity allowed their relationship to blossom even further, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing day. Seulgi cherished every moment she spent with Joohyun, her heart lighter now that the weight of constant danger had been lifted. Joohyun, too, reveled in the newfound freedom, her laughter coming more easily, her smiles brighter.

But it wasn't just Seulgi and Joohyun who were feeling the effects of the calm. Seungwan had been harboring feelings for Sooyoung for quite some time, and everyone in their group knew it— except, it seemed, for Sooyoung herself. Seungwan's quiet pining had been a source of endless amusement for Seulgi, who, after weeks of watching her friend steal longing glances at Sooyoung, finally decided to take matters into her own hands.

"Wan, if you don't ask her out soon, I swear I'm going to do it for you.", Seulgi teased one afternoon as they sat in the library, supposedly studying for an upcoming exam. Seungwan blushed, burying her face in her textbook.

"I can't..", Seungwan mumbled, though her voice lacked conviction.

"Yes, you can. You've been giving her these puppy eyes for ages. It's time, Wan. Besides, you never know unless you try.", Seulgi insisted, nudging her with an elbow.

Bolstered by Seulgi's words (and perhaps a little too much teasing), Seungwan finally worked up the courage to ask Sooyoung out. She caught Sooyoung after class one day, her mind racing as she fumbled over her words.

"Sooyoung, um, I was wondering if— if you'd like to, maybe, go out sometime? Like on a date?", Seungwan asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Sooyoung looked at her in surprise, blinking as she processed the question. Then, to Seungwan's relief— and joy— Sooyoung smiled, her eyes softening.

"I'd love that, Seungwan.", Sooyoung answered.

Their first date was a success, filled with laughter and easy conversation. It was as though a spark had ignited between them, one they had both been avoiding but couldn't deny any longer. The connection they had always shared deepened, and soon enough, it became clear to everyone that Seungwan and Sooyoung were more than just friends.